• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Interview with Steve Laube
    • Statement of Faith
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Guidelines
  • Authors
    • Who We Represent
    • Awards and Recognition
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Christian Writers Market Guide Online
    • Christian Writers Institute
    • Writers Conferences
    • Freelance Editorial Services
    • Copyright Resources
    • Research Tools
    • Selling What You Write
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Twitter
  • FaceBook
  • RSS Feed
Home » You searched for proposals » Page 15

Search Results for: proposals

All I Want for Christmas is a Strong Endorsement

By Bob Hostetleron December 13, 2017
Share
Tweet3
33

I often tell developing writers that it is never too early to get a strong endorsement for your book project. In fact, I have included endorsements in book proposals—both my own and clients’ proposals.  Every little bit helps, don’t you know.

Invariably, when I start talking about endorsements, a flurry of questions comes. In fact, a writer friend (of long and wide experience in publishing) emailed me recently to ask a few questions about endorsements, so I thought I’d add a few others and do my best to answer them in this post.

What is an endorsement?
In book publishing terms, an endorsement is a short recommendation of you or your book (more on that in a moment) from someone who is famous or expert enough to persuade people to buy and read your book.

There are three common types of endorsements:
1. An endorsement of your book (or manuscript). This, of course, suggests that the person has read it, or at least enough of it, to place his or her reputation alongside yours.
2. An endorsement of you. An endorsement such as “Bob Hostetler is the best writer in his field today” doesn’t refer to the book but to the author (or his or her oeuvre) as worthy of attention.
3. An endorsement of your subject matter. Sometimes you’ll see an endorsement on a book cover along the lines of, “Bob Hostetler’s new book tackles a timely and crucial topic for everyone in the ukulele industry.” That doesn’t necessarily mean the endorser has read your book, only that the topic is near and dear to their heart (and really, who doesn’t love ukuleles?).

Who should I ask for an endorsement?
Remember that the purpose of an endorsement is persuading buyers and readers. So, an endorser should be recognizable, perhaps because he is famous or because she occupies a position or would be considered an expert by a potential reader. Fellow authors may not be persuasive endorsers, unless they or their books are well known among your potential readers (so, for example, while Stephen King is certainly famous, you probably wouldn’t ask him to endorse your Amish romance).

How do I get endorsements?
Every which way you can. Perhaps you know someone who knows a potential endorser. I’ve asked colleagues for introductions. I’ve messaged someone on Facebook. I’ve also taken a shot in the dark, so to speak, and written a letter (on actual paper!) to an endorser c/o his publisher.

Is it kosher to ask people whose books I’ve quoted within my manuscript to endorse my book?
I think so. A few years ago, while writing my book, How to Survive the End of the World, I realized that I quoted one of my favorite authors several times. So, I wrote to him c/o his publisher (as I mentioned above), mentioning that his book was not only a favorite of mine but was also excerpted (fairly and favorably, of course) in my manuscript. A couple of weeks later, that famous author called me, introduced himself, and said he’d “love” to read my manuscript. He did, and replied with a glowing endorsement that now graces the cover of that book—above the title.

Can I use the same endorsers in a new book that I used in a previous one?
Yes and no, in my opinion. You shouldn’t “recycle” endorsements; that is putting someone else’s words to use in a way they may not have intended. However, I did once get an endorsement from another famous author that included the words, “Bob Hostetler is one of my favorite writers; I read everything he writes!” It went on to praise that specific book. A book or two later, I contacted that endorser and asked if I could use just that part of his previous endorsement for an upcoming proposal and book. He agreed.

Is it okay to ask someone I mention in the Acknowledgments or someone who writes my foreword as an endorser?
I don’t see why not, though a foreword is usually just a lengthy endorsement, so a foreword would make an endorsement redundant. However, sometimes a publisher will pull a quote from the foreword to feature on the cover.

How many endorsements are too many? Too few?
There are no hard and fast rules, but when a writer says, “I think I could get an endorsement from so-and-so,” I urge him to do it now, as even one strong endorsement in a book proposal can induce an editor to read further. And some books include several pages of endorsements in the front matter (my book, The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional, includes eight—and a few more on the website).

Are there other “rules” or conventions we should know about?
I would add this: Don’t say “no” for anyone. Inviting endorsements is a great time to dream. As I was writing The Red Letter Prayer Life (17 Words from Jesus to Inspire Practical, Purposeful, Powerful Prayer), I thought it would be a dream come true to have an endorsement from Phyllis Tickle, who had influenced my own prayer life through her books and speaking. I had heard that her health was declining, but I contacted her anyway, and she not only surprised me by reading my manuscript but also by issuing a beautiful endorsement (which I treasure even more since she went to heaven in 2015). Not everyone says yes, of course (or even answers), but I have been impressed often by the accessibility and kindness of famous people I admire (which makes me admire them even more).

Category: Book Proposals, MarketingTag: book proposals, Endorsements, Marketing

Unnecessary Work

By Dan Balowon November 21, 2017
Share
Tweet
15

Continuing with my series of “unnecessary” blog posts (last week Unnecessary Words), today we cover unnecessary work, which I define as making something more difficult than it needs to be. So you understand my worldview, I always take the escalator, elevator or moving sidewalk, I know all the shortcuts on my computer keyboard and I love microwaves. Why make something harder than it needs to be? …

Read moreUnnecessary Work
Category: Agents, Get Published, The Writing LifeTag: Networking, Platform, The Writing Life, Work

Rumor Control

By Steve Laubeon October 30, 2017
Share
Tweet
41

I was talking with an editor this week who asked me, "How are things going? I hear that your agency is barely making ends meet and that you've had to take on other type of work to survive."

I must admit that I was so startled by this rumor that words nearly failed me.

"Where did you hear that?" I exclaimed.

"Oh it was at a recent writers conference and folks were talking, and your name …

Read moreRumor Control
Category: Agency, Communication, SteveTag: Gossip, rumors

Variety is the Spice in an Agent’s Inbox

By Steve Laubeon October 23, 2017
Share
Tweet
22

The other day a writer asked me, “Describe a typical work day for you.” I choked back a laugh and said, “There is no such thing as ‘typical’ in the day of a literary agent.” There are many things that repeat. Royalty statements, new deal negotiations, contract evaluations, reviewing client proposals, and the unsolicited inquiries. But within those is a constant variety. I wrote down a sample of …

Read moreVariety is the Spice in an Agent’s Inbox
Category: Agency, Agents, Book Business, The Publishing LifeTag: Agency, Agents

Author Nuances

By Dan Balowon October 3, 2017
Share
Tweet3
18

Writer and humorist Dave Barry wrote, “The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnic background, is that we all believe we are above-average drivers.” The same applies to artists and writers. Most feel they are pretty good at their craft. But success as an author is a complicated mix of factors. If accuracy, neatness and timeliness were the secret to …

Read moreAuthor Nuances
Category: Craft, Creativity, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Art, Nuances, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

Thank You, Writers!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 28, 2017
Share
Tweet
46

In light of meeting with so many fabulous writers at the recent ACFW conference, I feel led to give special thanks not only to my clients but to every writer endeavoring to make a difference in Christian publishing. Thank you for: giving agents, editors, and publishers, books that allow us to have the best jobs in the world. writing complete novels on spec. creating your best proposals. listening …

Read moreThank You, Writers!
Category: Awards, Personal

You Gotta Know the Territory

By Bob Hostetleron September 27, 2017
Share
Tweet
35

So you’re writing a book. In what genre? Don’t know? You must. My colleague, Dan Balow, recently wrote a valuable blog post (here) that touched on the many genre categories and sub-categories in today’s publishing world. You should read it—when you finish reading this, of course. “I don’t care about genre,” you may say. “I’m a writer, not an editor or publisher.” To which I say, “Tough.” If you’re …

Read moreYou Gotta Know the Territory
Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Career, Genre

Four Ways to Rise to the Top!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 7, 2017
Share
Tweet
36

Since agents receive more proposals than they have time to represent, a huge obstacle for new authors is getting their manuscripts to the top of the stack. Every week I review excellent proposals from writers I would be proud to represent. If only I could double my hours in a day! This happy dilemma speaks to how much the Christian market has matured. We attract the best and brightest writers. I …

Read moreFour Ways to Rise to the Top!
Category: Book Proposals, Get PublishedTag: book proposal, Get Published

Send Simultaneous Submissions or Not?

By Steve Laubeon August 7, 2017
Share
Tweet
24

Bryan Mitchell asked, “What is the max number of submissions you should send at a given time? I’ve heard ten but that sounds off; to me, it seems it should be less than that if you are carefully considering the agents you reach out to.” When approaching agents I encourage simultaneous submissions, as long as you let us know you are doing so. But, as Bryan answered his own question, there is no …

Read moreSend Simultaneous Submissions or Not?
Category: Agency, Agents, Book ProposalsTag: Agency, Agents, book proposals, Queries, Simultaneous Submissions

Should You Hire a Freelance Editor?

By Steve Laubeon July 31, 2017
Share
Tweet1
40

Katie Dale asked, “I am wondering at what stage should I have my memoir edited? After I have an agent? After I have a publisher? Before? Should I consider ever getting professionally edited before I get an agent or publisher? What’s the process?” This is a question being asked more frequently. Dare I answer with “It depends”? I have a client who has utilized a freelance …

Read moreShould You Hire a Freelance Editor?
Category: EditingTag: Editing, Writing Craft
  • Previous
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 13
  • Page 14
  • Page 15
  • Page 16
  • Page 17
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 24
  • Next

Sidebar

Get Blog Updates

Enter your email address to get new blog updates delivered via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Grow as a Writer


Find Out More →

Popular Posts

Top Posts on Book Proposals
  • Hints for a Great Cover Letter
  • The Keys to a Great Book Proposal
  • What Steve Laube is Looking For
  • Book Proposals I’d Love to See – Tamela Hancock Murray
  • What I’m Looking for – Bob Hostetler
  • What I’m Looking for – Dan Balow
  • What I’m Looking for – Lynette Eason
  • What’s the Best Way to Submit My Self-Published Book?
  • What Is the Agent Doing While I Wait?
  • God Gave Me This Blog Post
Top Posts on The Business Side
  • When Your Book Becomes Personal
  • The Myth of the Unearned Advance
  • How Long Does it Take to Get Published?
  • What Are Average Book Sales?
  • Can You Plagiarize Yourself?
  • Never Burn a Bridge
  • Who Decides to Publish Your Book?
  • That Conference Appointment
  • Goodbye to Traditional Publishing?
  • Who Owns Whom in Publishing?
  • Ten Commandments for Working with Your Agent
  • Writers Beware! Protect Yourself
Top Series
  • Book Proposal Basics
  • Publishing A-Z
  • A Defense of Traditional Publishing
Top Posts on Rejection
  • The Slush Pile: Enter at Your Own Risk
  • Even the Best Get Rejected
  • Five Reasons Why You May Never Get Published
  • The Unhelpful Rejection Letter
  • Writers Learn to Wait

Blog Post Archives by Month

  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Interview with Steve Laube
    • Statement of Faith
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Guidelines
  • Authors
    • Who We Represent
    • Awards and Recognition
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Christian Writers Market Guide Online
    • Christian Writers Institute
    • Writers Conferences
    • Freelance Editorial Services
    • Copyright Resources
    • Research Tools
    • Selling What You Write
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 · The Steve Laube Agency · All Rights Reserved · Website by Stormhill Media